Is Mexico City Safe for Tourists Right Now? What the Latest Crime Data and U.S. Advisory Say

Photo credit: Illustrative: the Zócalo and Avenida 20 de Noviembre in 2024. Photo: ProtoplasmaKid / Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/. Resized.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico City visitors’ most common question, is Mexico City safe for tourists right now, got fresh answers Monday, Nov. 9, when the city government reported the capital’s fewest October homicides in 29 years. The U.S. State Department, meanwhile, keeps Mexico City at Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution,” the same level it uses for Mexico overall.

That combination is the short answer: Mexico City drew 47.8 million visitors in 2025, according to government figures reported by Travel + Leisure, and most trips go smoothly. But this is a megacity of more than 9 million people, and the State Department notes that both violent and non-violent crimes occur throughout the city. Most problems visitors face are theft, scams and transportation issues that good habits can prevent.

Mexico City crime data: what the November 2026 report shows

Head of Government Clara Brugada presented the city’s October security report Monday. Figures from that report, as reported by Chilango and the city government:

• Homicides: 586 intentional homicides from January through October 2026, down 12% from the same period in 2025 and 20% from 2024.
• High-impact crimes: down 9% from 2025 to 2026. The city says they averaged 52 a day, compared with 135 a day in 2019.
• Street robbery: robbery in public spaces is down 29% since 2024, the city says.
• Perception: Brugada cited INEGI survey results showing fewer residents feel unsafe.

These are official government figures. Independent analysts sometimes question how crimes are classified, so treat them as a trend, not a guarantee.

Mexico City travel advisory: Level 2 explained

The U.S. State Department rates Mexico state by state. Several states are at Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” but Mexico City is at Level 2. The advisory recommends using dispatched taxis or app-based rides rather than hailing cabs on the street, and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts. Read the full U.S. travel advisory for Mexico before you go.

Mexico City safety tips for tourists

• Don’t hail taxis on the street. Use Uber, DiDi or a sitio (taxi stand) cab. At the airport, use an authorized taxi booth or the app pickup points; see our Mexico City airport to Roma Norte guide.
• Guard your phone. Phone snatching is common in crowds, on the Metro and at outdoor tables. Keep it in a front pocket and away from curbs.
• Use ATMs inside banks or malls during the day, and carry only the cash you need.
• Go easy at night. Stay in busy, well-lit streets, watch your drink in bars and arrange your ride before you leave.
• Ride the Metro smart. Avoid rush hours with luggage, and use the designated women-and-children-only cars if you qualify.
• Save 911. It is Mexico’s emergency number for police, fire and ambulance.

Mexico City protests and blockades: what visitors should know

Marches and road blockades are a near-daily part of life in the capital, and they’re usually peaceful. On Monday alone, La Jornada counted at least nine blockades, including an IMSS workers’ march to the Zócalo and delivery riders who shut roads in Santa Fe and outside the Mobility Secretariat in Colonia Roma. Metrobús also suspended service on part of one line during a sanitation workers’ protest.

For travelers, the main risk is delay rather than danger. Leave extra time for flights, give marches space and check the city traffic police account, @OVIAL_SSCCDMX on X, for closures.

Mexico City safety at big events

Large concerts mean crowded exits and late-night rides. If you’re heading to Corona Capital 2026 on Nov. 20-22, plan your ride home in advance, since the Metro closes at midnight.

Mexico City safety FAQ: is Mexico City safe?

Is Mexico City safe for tourists right now?

For most visitors who take normal big-city precautions, yes. The U.S. lists Mexico City at Level 2, and city data shows homicides and high-impact crime falling in 2026.

Is Mexico City safe at night?

Busy areas popular with visitors stay lively at night, but use ride apps instead of street taxis, stick to well-lit streets and watch your belongings.

Is Mexico City safe for solo female travelers?

Many women travel solo here. Use app rides, share your trip with a friend, use the women-only Metro and Metrobús sections, and keep an eye on drinks.

Is Mexico City safe from cartel violence?

Organized crime exists in Mexico City, but the State Department’s Level 4 warnings apply to other states, not the capital.

What is the emergency number in Mexico City?

Dial 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies.